The Tunisian banking sector has seen a significant response to the newly launched honor credit program, with banks exhausting their allocated funds on the first day. According to Sofiane Ouerimi, an accounting expert and banking specialist, 14,200 requests were recorded, indicating a high demand for the program. The honor credit program aims to provide financing to individuals and small businesses without interest or guarantees.
The program's mechanism involves a progressive selection of files, allowing banks to maximize the use of available resources. When a client obtains a principle agreement but fails to complete the required documents, their file is canceled, and the available spot is allocated to another applicant on the waiting list. This procedure aims to prevent funds from being immobilized by incomplete files.
The honor credit program was launched on October 1, 2026, with applications submitted exclusively through digital platforms set up by participating banks. The regulatory framework is based on decree No. 148 of 2026, dated July 23, 2026, and circular No. 8 of 2026 from the Central Bank of Tunisia. The program requires participating banks to allocate at least 8% of their previous year's profits to honor credit lines.
For the 2026 program, banks used the 2025 profit results as a reference, which reportedly allowed for an envelope of around 120 million dinars. The honor credit ceiling is set at 5,000 dinars for individuals to finance consumption needs. For small project holders with investments not exceeding 150,000 dinars, the ceiling is 10,000 dinars, while small and medium-sized enterprises and community companies can benefit from financing of up to 25,000 dinars.
These funds are granted without interest, guarantees, or insurance required by the bank, with repayment scheduled over a maximum period of two years and a possible six-month grace period. The high attendance recorded in the first hours of implementation highlights the importance of demand for this new mechanism. However, the number of files actually financed will depend on the examination of requests, conformity of provided documents, and definitive validation of files.
According to Ouerimi, the exhaustion of funds does not signify the end of the program but rather a temporary step allowing competent commissions to examine requests and principle agreements already granted. The selection process will continue, enabling banks to use available resources efficiently and avoid immobilizing funds in incomplete files.
The honor credit program aims to support individuals and small businesses in Tunisia by providing accessible financing options. With a high demand recorded on the first day, the program's impact on the country's economic landscape remains to be seen. The Central Bank of Tunisia and participating banks will continue to monitor the program's implementation and make adjustments as necessary.
Key points
- Banks exhausted their allocated honor credit funds on the first day, with 14,200 requests recorded.
- The honor credit program aims to provide financing to individuals and small businesses without interest or guarantees.
- The program's regulatory framework is based on decree No. 148 of 2026 and circular No. 8 of 2026 from the Central Bank of Tunisia.
